Although caregivers sometimes feel isolated, they are not alone. For individuals who have taken on that responsibility, there is an upcoming free Caregiver’s Conference in North St. Louis County to connect them with resources and to others with shared experiences.
Christian Hospital Auxiliary, the Christian Hospital Foundation, and AARP Missouri are presenting the Caregiver’s Conference on Tuesday, September 26 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Christian Hospital Detrick Atrium, located at 11133 Dunn Road, 63136. Caregivers and the person they care for are both welcome; however, both persons must be registered to attend.
At the conference, caregivers can meet those who assist with transportation, shopping, personal needs, meal preparation, housekeeping, paperwork, medication, companionship or safety supervision. For example, a physical therapist from Christian Hospital will demonstrate the safe and proper way to move someone from a wheelchair into an automobile.
“If you don’t do it right, the caregiver can hurt themselves or they can end up hurting the person they are caring for if they are not doing properly,” said Ellen Lutzow, a conference organizer and board member of the Christian Hospital Foundation.
Caregivers will also get tips on safe places to store medications and on hazard-proofing the home for persons with health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
“They may not recognize anymore the things to do that are safe practices,” Lutzow said. “You can do little things in the home just to make it safer.”
An emphasis on self-care is also part of the program for caregivers.
“We’re going to have a relaxation exercise,” Lutzow added. “If you don’t take some time to deal with the stress of the day, it will get to you.”
The conference keynote speaker is Amy Goyer, a caregiver, consultant and author. An AARP Home & Family expert, she will address the day-to-day issues a caregiver experiences and how to deal with those emotions.
“It’s a balancing act – tremendous amounts of stress … and rewards,” Lutzow said.
Other speakers represent the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, VOYCE advocacy services’ Memory Care Home Solutions and Christian Hospital Palliative Care.
There will also be information on veterans’ benefits and resource tables from nonprofit, for-profit and government entities. Resource table sponsorships are available at http://christianhospital.org/caregivers or by calling 314-653-5162.
A complimentary lunch will be served to all attendees and valet parking is available, compliments of Clayton Valet.
Registration is required for the Caregiver’s Conference for each person attending. Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/MOcaregiversconf2017 or by calling 1-877-926-8300.
Registration is required for the Caregiver’s Conference for each person attending. Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/MOcaregiversconf2017 or by calling 1-877-926-8300.
